Morphological structure and intraorganic vessels of the carotid body in children

We evaluated the structure and blood supply of the carotid body in different age periods. This article focuses on children. The study included 14 infants, 9 children aged between 1 and 5 years, and 5 children over 5 years of age. Carotid body vessels were studied mainly after injection of Paris blue dye in chloroform suspension. The structure of the carotid body and its intraorgan blood flow remain almost unchanged in fetuses, newborns, and children under 12 years of age. The structure of the carotid body and its vascular network suggest that this organ is actively functioning in early childhood. After the age of 12, we observe active changes in the carotid body, which significantly affect the condition of its parenchyma. These facts indicate the connection of this organ with the endocrine system. Since the earliest stages of development, the carotid body is characterized by a lobed structure, well-developed intraorgan blood stream, which includes all the elements of the terminal part of the blood vessels.